LINGAYEN–The proposed P1.45 billion provincial budget for 2009 has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last week.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. said next year’s budget, 8.67% higher from this year’s P1.32 billion appropriation, “reflects and streamlines the provincial initiatives to address the needs of the development process” as he cited his administration’s achievements this year, particularly improving the system of governance for better delivery of basic services in the province.

Espino said central to this transformation was the renovation of the provincial Capitol compound intended to create an improved working environment for public service.

In the 2009 budget, Espino said poverty alleviation programs will take priority, including quality and affordable health care, increased agricultural productivity, adequate and high quality education, better jobs and income opportunities, affordable and decent socialized housing, youth and sports development and environmental protection and disaster management.

“As we cater to the needs of the less fortunate, we are simultaneously pushing for economic and fiscal reforms to stimulate greater progress and to elevate Pangasinan as the corridor of growth in Northern Luzon,” Espino said.

Development fund covers the biggest appropriation at P341 million. P278 million is set for hospitals, P88 million for infrastructure, while Sangguniang Panlalawigan allotted itself P78 million, and partial appropriation for bonus and cash gift at P74 million, and a calamity fund of P72 million.

“We are likewise exerting aggressive efforts to develop tourism, improve our road network and prepare our province to host strategic infrastructure projects like the airport, commercial seaport and special economic zones,” the governor said.#

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